Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Kate Beckinsale jettisoned the Underworld franchise for this third installment prequel that's made bearable only by Michael Sheen's strong presence as the Lycan werewolf slave Lucian. Beckinsale look-alike Rhona Mitra plays Sonja, the vampire princess daughter to coven king Viktor (played with googly eye acting techniques by Bill Nighy). Sonja and Lucian enjoy a tempestuous affair that's threatened by daddy's wrath should he ever find out about their intimate bond that promises to birth a new kind of creature. Hokey CGI graphics display bloody battles with hordes of Lycans being split in two as Lucian and Sonja attempt to overthrow the Vampire dynasty that condemns their union. Director Patrick Tatopoulos is in over his head with a movie that should, but probably won't, put a final nail in Underworld's monochromatic coffin.
(Screen Gems/Sony) Rated R. (C-) (Two Stars)